1997 FORD ASPIRE Owners Manual

143
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Towing Your Vehicle
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If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact
a professional towing service or, if you are a
member, your roadside assistance center.
Suggested towing options include wheel lift
towing or flat bed towing.
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two third page art:0032214-A
The proper towing procedures
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144 [ER12600(ALL)01/96]When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator
what kind of vehicle you have. A towing
manual is available from Ford Motor Company
for all authorized tow truck oerators. Have your
tow truck driver refer to this manual for the
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your
vehicle.
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Towing With the Back Wheels Off the
Ground
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If it is necessary to tow your vehicle from the
rear (with the rear wheels off the ground), a
dolly must be placed under the front tires to
prevent transaxle damage.
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Do not use your vehicle's steering column lock
to secure the wheels in a straight-ahead position.
Always use a steering wheel clamping device
designed for towing service.
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Refer toTowing behind another vehicle
Ðrecreational vehiclein the Index for information
on towing behind an RV.
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145
Maintenance and Care
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Service Made Easy
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Ford has two goals for servicing your vehicle.
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1. When we can, we design parts that do not
need to be serviced.
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2. We want to make servicing your vehicle as
easy as possible. To help you:
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We highlight do-it-yourself items in yellow in
the engine compartment so that you can find
them easily.
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When possible, we design parts that can be
replaced without tools.
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We give you a Maintenance Schedule that
makes tracking routine service for your
vehicle easy. The maintenance schedule is
located in theMaintenance Schedulebooklet.
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This chapter tells you about the basic parts that
you need to check and service regularly.
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If your vehicle needs professional servicing, your
dealership can provide the parts and service
required. Check yourWarranty Information Booklet
to find out which parts and services are covered.
Also see theCustomer Assistancechapter of this
Owner Guide.
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Ford Motor Company recommends that the
Owner Maintenance Checks listed in the
Maintenance Schedulebooklet be performed for
the proper operation of your vehicle. In addition
to the conditions listed in theOwner Maintenance
Checklist, be alert for any unusual noise,
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146vibration, or other indication that your vehicle
may need service. If you do notice something
unusual, see that your vehicle is serviced
promptly.
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Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids,
and service parts that meet Ford Motor
Company specifications. Motorcraft parts are
designed and built to provide the best
performance in your vehicle. Using these parts
for replacement is your assurance that Ford-built
quality stays in your vehicle.
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NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
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Precautions When Servicing Your
Vehicle
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Be especially careful when inspecting or
servicing your vehicle. Here are some general
precautions for your safety:
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q
Do not work on a hot engine. The engine
cooling fan may come on unexpectedly.
Always turn the engine off and let it cool.
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WARNING
The cooling fan is automatic and may
come on at any time. Always disconnect
the negative terminal of the battery before
working near the fan.
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q
If you must work with the engine running,
avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts. Take
appropriate precautions with long hair.
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147
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q
Do not work on a vehicle in an enclosed
space with the engine running, unless you are
sure you have enough ventilation.
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Never get under a vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If you must work
under a vehicle, use safety stands.
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Keep all lit cigarettes and other smoking
materials away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
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Working with the engine off:
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1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or 1 (First) gear
(manual transaxle).
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2. Remove the key from the ignition after you
turn the engine off.
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3. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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Working with the engine on:
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1. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or Neutral (manual
transaxle).
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2. Block the wheels. This will prevent your
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
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WARNING
Do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it
while the engine is running.
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148 %
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Opening the Hood
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1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release
handle located under the bottom left corner
of the instrument panel.
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2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the
auxiliary latch that is located under the hood
at the center of the vehicle.
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3. Lift the hood and set the prop rod in the
hole in the hood.
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When you close the hood, make sure the prop
rod is in its retainer and that the hood latches
securely.
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half page art:0032215-C
Hood release handle, hood latch and prop rod
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149
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Engine Oil Recommendations
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We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M2C153-F and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on
the front of the container.
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one third page art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
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Neveruse:
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q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
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Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
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Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
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Engine oils with anSAE 5W-30viscosity are
PREFERREDfor your vehicle. They provide the
best engine performance, fuel economy and
engine protection for all climates down to-15ÊF
(-25ÊC).
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Synthetic engine oils which are CERTIFIED and
of the preferred viscosity may be used in your
engine. The engine oil and oil filter must still be
changed according to the maintenance schedule.
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150
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NOTE: Ford production and aftermarket
(Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life.
If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet Ford material and design
specifications, startup engine noises or
knock may be experienced. It is
recommended you use the appropriate
ªMotorcraftº oil filter (or another brand
meeting Ford specifications) for your
engine application.
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Checking and Adding Engine Oil
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Since the proper amount of engine oil is
important for safe engine operation, check the oil
using the dipstick each time you put fuel in
your vehicle. Remember the engine must be off,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
parked on level ground.
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Checking the engine oil level:
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1. Turn the engine off after it has warmed up
and allow a few minutes for the engine oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
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2. Set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park)
or 1 (First).
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3. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine
heat.
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4. Locate the dipstick (highlighted in yellow)
and carefully pull it out of the engine.
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5. Wipe the dipstick clean and put it back into
position, making sure it is fully seated.
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